Fitness mat adapted to increase cleanliness, safety and comfort

ABSTRACT

An apparatus having an operable surface for accommodating a recumbent human user is provided. The operable surface extends between a first end and an opposing second end. The first end provides a support structure for supporting a head of the recumbent human user. The second end provides a tractions surface, thereby dedicating the second end for a user&#39;s feet when in an upright position, while the first end sanitarily dedicates space for the head of the recumbent user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fitness accessories and, more particularly, to a fitness mat adapted to increase the cleanliness, the safety and the comfort of users, while providing support for their neck and head.

Fitness mats do not have a clear location for feet and head placement. And as a corollary, fitness mats do not provide a specific area for additional foot traction to prevent slipping nor structure providing head and neck support. The current devices do not work well because the fitness mat industry does not have a product that includes these features. In lieu of these features, individuals have had to use miscellaneous objects to address these issues. Furthermore, in a gym setting, of the many users of a fitness mat between cleanings, some of the users are resting their heads on the fitness mat where earlier users rested their feet, which is hygienically suboptimal.

As can be seen, there is a need for a fitness mat adapted to increase cleanliness, safety, and comfort, while providing head and neck support on one end and traction are dedicated to the opposing end. The fitness mat embodied in the present invention provides a designated place for head and neck support and placement, along with a place specifically for the user's feet through a traction surface on the opposing end of the mat. The present invention includes a cushioned structure built into the top portion or operable surface of the mat for head and neck support. The opposing ends of the mat may have labels indicating where the head and feet should be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user includes the following: an operable surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end; and a support surface protruding from the first end; a traction surface provided along the second end, whereby the operable surfaced identifies the first end as dedicated for placing a head of said recumbent human user, and wherein the operable surface identifies the second end as dedicated for placing a foot of said recumbent human user.

In another aspect of the present invention, a fitness mat includes the following: an operable surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end; a support surface protruding from the first end between one and three inches from the operable surface; a ramp structure tapering downward from an upper portion of the support surface to the operable surface; and a traction surface of artificial turf provided along the second end, whereby the operable surfaced identifies the first end as dedicated for placing a head of said recumbent human user, and wherein the operable surface identifies the second end as dedicated for placing a foot of said recumbent human user.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus having an operable surface for accommodating a recumbent human user, the operable surface extends between a first end and an opposing second end. The first end provides a support structure for supporting a head of the recumbent human user. The second end provides a tractions surface, thereby dedicating the second end for a user's feet when in an upright position, while the first end sanitarily dedicates space for the head of the recumbent user.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 12, the present invention may include a support apparatus 10 dimensioned to accommodate a recumbent human user. The support apparatus 10 may be made of rubber and/or various durable plasticized and foam materials having a generally planar rectangular shape. It being understood that the support apparatus 10 can have other shapes as long as the support apparatus 10 functions as disclosed herein, specifically that it can accommodate a recumbent human being.

In certain embodiments, the support apparatus 10 longitudinally extends between a first end 21 and an opposing second end 22. The first end 21 may provide a support structure 12 just inward of the periphery. The support structure 12/headpiece may protrude from an operable surface of the support apparatus 10. The support structure 12 may be made from memory foam and have a mesh covering 13. In certain embodiments, a ramp support 14 may taper downwardly from an upper surface of the support structure 12 to the operable surface of the support apparatus 10. The support surface 12 may be dimensioned and adapted to provide support to the head of the human user laying on the operable surface, while in certain embodiments, the ramp structure 14 is dimensioned and adapted to provide support to the neck of said human user, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 8 and 12.

The support structure 12 may be more shapes than the ones shown in the Figures, as long as the support structure 12 functions in accordance with the disclosure herein. For instance, a circular support surface 12 made of memory foam utilizes body heat to shape and contour to user's body-specific head shape. The circular support surface 12 permits optimal support for the neck and head, taking pressure off where the head is not supported. The circular support surface 12 with extended neck support (ramp structure 14) attached to the exercise mat allows for a personalized exercise experience. Not only promoting maximum comfortability for both the head and neck while performing exercises in the supine position but the circular support surface 12 also promotes additional health benefits. Even weight distribution aids in proper spine alignment, taking pressure off the cervical spine and providing complete support for users with weaker neck muscles. This ensures ideal body mechanics and proprioception during exercise. With pressure taken off the cervical spine, it relieves pain from pressure points in the neck and back. The support surface 12 absorbs motion and prevents it from transferring, which in return keeps the spine and neck aligned limiting muscular strain and enabling appropriate posture.

The support surface 12 may be dimensioned and adapted to provide cervical spine support and assist those with equilibrium issues such as vertigo. Specifically, support surface 12 ensures those who suffer from neck injuries and/or balance issues such as vertigo get the all-around safety and support that cylindrical neck support would not provide. Those who suffer from vertigo can face difficulty when going from a lying, recumbent to an upright position. Just a neck support piece will not provide enough support when getting up from a lying position, which could lead to dizziness, loss of balance, and/or nausea when getting up. A full-out circular support surface 12 virtually eliminates those complications when getting up.

The support apparatus 10 addresses an issue for pregnant women lying flat on their backs. Pregnant women laying flat on their backs can lead to hypotension and interference with blood circulation. When performing exercises it is best for a pregnant woman to place some kind of cushion for them to lay on to support their head. Utilizing the fitness mat does not only provide comfort pregnant women need during exercise but ensure they take the safety precautions necessary.

The second end 22 of the support apparatus 10 may provide a traction surface 16 enabling extra grip foot area and be made of a plurality of elongated protrusions, such as artificial grass turf or the like. The traction surface 16 provides a superior grip for the feet, enabling users to perform fixed position exercises comfortably and safely. Additionally, the traction surface 16 identifies for new users where their feet are to be placed on the support apparatus 10, and thus which portion of the support apparatus 10 is designated for the head. Making users aware of proper body placement on the support apparatus 10, thereby maintaining cleanliness without confusion.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. The support apparatus 10 disclosed above may be provided. A user may place the support apparatus 10 on the floor. The user can either lay on their back, their side or their stomach while using the operable surface of the support apparatus 10. If the user is laying on their back they should position their head roughly two inches from the top of the operable surface so that their head rests on the support structure 12. When the user wishes to perform an exercise on their feet, they use the traction surface 16 at the second end 22 of the apparatus.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of directional terms such as upward, upper, top, downward and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures; specifically, the upward (upper/top) direction being toward the top of FIGS. 4, 8 and 12.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user, comprising: an operable surface extending between a first end and a second end; a support surface protruding from the first end; and a traction surface provided along the second end, whereby the operable surface identifies the first end as dedicated for placing a head of said recumbent human user, and wherein the operable surface identifies the second end as dedicated for placing a foot of said recumbent human user.
 2. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 1, wherein the support surface is rectangular and protrudes between one and three inches from the operable surface.
 3. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 1, wherein the support surface is circular and protrudes between one and three inches from the operable surface.
 4. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 1, wherein the support surface is half-oval shaped and protrudes between one and three inches from the operable surface.
 5. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 1, further comprising: a ramp structure tapering downward from an upper portion of the support surface to the operable surface.
 6. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 1, wherein the traction surface is artificial turf.
 7. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 1, wherein the support structure is made from memory foam.
 8. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 1, further comprising a mesh covering over the support structure.
 9. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 3, wherein the support structure is made from memory foam.
 10. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 3, further comprising: a ramp structure tapering downward from an upper portion of the support surface to the operable surface.
 11. The support apparatus dimensioned and adapted to accommodate a recumbent human user of claim 4, further comprising: a ramp structure tapering downward from an upper portion of the support surface to the operable surface.
 12. A fitness mat, comprising: an operable surface extending between a first end and a second end; a support surface protruding from the first end between one and three inches from the operable surface; a ramp structure tapering downward from an upper portion of the support surface to the operable surface; and a traction surface of artificial turf provided along the second end, whereby the operable surface identifies the first end as dedicated for placing a head of a recumbent human user, and wherein the operable surface identifies the second end as dedicated for placing a foot of said recumbent human user.
 13. The fitness mat of claim 12, wherein the support structure is circular and made from memory foam. 